Sitting on the swing alone, Bryan was feeling a bit bored. He started to rise and rise on the swing, raising his speed and height. “Wow… could you teach me that?” said a girl seeing Bryan on the swing. Bryan then slowed down the swing and walked over to the girl. “Sure… get on the swing and I’ll teach you,” he said in a soft tone. Being a 6-year-old boy, Bryan has the attitude of loving to show off. “You push yourself first,” he said while he pushed himself. “And when you reach to the end, so push your body in front, like this,” he said showing the girl his style. The girl started to push herself and began to follow Bryan’s reactions. Soon, she was able to get higher and higher. “Wow… this is fun!” she shouted. Bryan too started to go higher and higher. They were laughing together as they went higher.
“I’m Bryan,” he said taking out his hand. The girl grabbed his hand and started shaking it. “I’m Alexandra,” she said. “Can I call you Alex? Your name is too long,” Bryan complained. “Okay,” she replied shyly. “What do you want to play now?” Bryan asked. “There!” she said pointing to the sandbox behind Bryan. “Okay, let’s go,” he said leading the way towards the sandbox. They started building sandcastles and spelling each other names on the sand. “It’s A-L-E-X-A-N-D-R-A,” she said teaching Bryan how to spell her name. “Wow… it’s really long, 1, 2, 3,4,5,6,7,8 words!” Bryan said counting. “It’s nine! 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9!” she said recounting. “Oh… hehehe sorry,” he said blushing. “Where do you live Bryan?” Alex asked. “Across the road to the other side,” he said pointing to his house. “It’s very near,” she replied. “Yes… do you want to come over for some milk?” he asked. “No… I can’t, someone is looking after me,” she said pointing to her butler, Hampton. “Oh… it’s okay, maybe you could come sometime,” Bryan told her. “Yes… you will come to my house too?” she asked. “I will, I promise,” he replied back. They pulled out their little pinkie finger and crossed it together. “Promise okay,” she said.
“Mademoiselle, we should better be going now,” Hampton said holding
his hands out toward Alex. “Okay Hampton, will we meet tomorrow?” Alex asked
Bryan. “Okay… I will wait for you at the swings,” he said. “Okay,
bye!” she said back as Hampton guided her back. “I see you made a friend
today, Mademoiselle,” Hampton asked. “Yes… he is very friendly,” she
said. “What is his name?” Hampton asked. “Bryan! B-R-Y-A-N,” she
spelled. Hampton smiled and continued to walk home. Bryan then headed back home.
“You’re finally back, did you enjoy yourself?” asked Mrs. McFadden. “Yes
mom, I met a friend,” he told her as he sat on the kitchen stool. “Oh
really? What’s his name?” she asked as she put a cup of milk on the table
for Bryan. “She’s a girl mom… Alex… uhhh… I just call her Alex,”
Bryan replied. “Alex? What a funny name for a girl,” Mrs. McFadden replied.
“No! She has a long name… 8… no… 9 words!” Bryan said pulling out 9 of
his fingers. “It’s good to make friends,” she replied while she continued
to wash the plates. “I’m going to meet her tomorrow again,” Bryan said.
“That’s good,” his mother replied with a smile as Bryan finished his milk.
As promised, Bryan was already waiting for her at the swings; he brought a package with him. His mother made some sandwiches for them. “Bryan! I’m here!” she shouted and waving at him. “Mademoiselle, please wait,” Hampton said trying to hold on to her as they crossed the road. As they arrive at the playground Bryan got up to greet Alex. “What is that Bryan?” she asked curiously. “Oh… my mom made this for us… you want to eat it now?” Bryan asked holding out the package. “Okay,” Alex replied as Bryan unopened the package. “Sandwiches! I love sandwiches!” Alex said happily as she took one out and popped one into her mouth. “Here Mr. Hampton… have one, my mother made them,” Bryan said holding out one of the sandwiches. “Oh… thank you master Bryan… it’s really a pleasure,” Hampton said taking Bryan’s offer. “Don’t call me master Bryan… I’m not master Bryan… call me Bryan,” he said. “Well… okay Bryan,” Hampton said smiling. “That is better,” Bryan said as he headed back to Alex. As he return, he noticed that the package was empty already. “Alex! You finish my lunch!” Bryan said. “You haven’t eaten yet? Oh no… I’m sorry Bryan,” Alex said to him. “It’s okay… I’ll go home for lunch then,” Bryan replied as he picked up the package. “You’re going home already?” Alex asked. “Yeah… I have not eaten yet,” Bryan replied. “Oh… why don’t you come to my house for lunch?” Alex asked. “We can, can’t we Hampton,” Alex asked as she went over to Hampton. “Sure, Master Hendricks will be really happy to see you,” Hampton said. “Okay, but I have to ask my mom first,” Bryan said. The three of them then headed back to Bryan’s house.
“Sure… but make sure you come back before dinner okay?” said Mrs. McFadden. “Thanks mom,” Bryan said as he headed back out. “Thank you Mrs. McFadden!” Alex said. “Your welcome little Alex, what’s your full name?” she asked. “It’s Alexandra Tiara Hendricks,” said Hampton. “Oh… you’re a very beautiful girl, you know that?” Mrs. McFadden said. “You too Mrs. McFadden,” Alex replied with a smile. “Don’t worry Lady McFadden, I’ll take good care of Master Bryan,” Hampton said. “I told you not to call me that already,” Bryan said crossing his arms. “Oh… I’m sorry Bryan, let’s go then,” Hampton said holding the two child’s hand and leading them back to Alex’s house.
“Wow! You have a really big house!” Bryan said as they arrived.
“Come on… Master Hendricks and Lady Fiona are expecting you,” Hampton said
leading the two children inside. “Oh… he’s so cute!” Fiona said with a
long childish tone pinching Bryan’s cheek apart. “Nwice two mweet ywou Lwady
Fwiona,” Bryan said. “Oh… he’s so cute, I wish I could keep him,” she
replied. “Fiona… he’s not a pet you know…” Hendricks told her. Fiona
then stomped Hendricks on his feet. Hendricks then let out a really funny face
that made the two children laugh. “Oh… they like you,” Fiona said
sarcastically. Suddenly 3 other girls appeared from behind Fiona. “Oh…
Bryan… these are my sisters,” Alex said pulling Bryan towards them. “This
is Tanya, Linda and my youngest sister Creole,” she said introducing them.
“I’m Bryan McFadden,” he introduced himself. “Hallow,” they said in
unison. “Come on, let’s have lunch,” Fiona said bringing the kids to the
dining room. As Bryan sat on the chair, he was stunned by how big everything
was, even the forks. “Okay Hampton, you can serve lunch now,” Hendricks said
as he continued on reading his papers. “So Bryan… I’ve heard so much about
you from Alexandra… care to tell us more?” Fiona asked excitedly. “Umm…
okay… I’m Bryan… I’m 6 years old, umm… I like pudding… and
pizzas,” he said. Fiona let out a giggle. “He’s so cute,” Fiona said.
Soon, lunch was served and Bryan’s mouth was already watering. He was amazed
at everything that was served to them. “Why aren’t you eating?” Fiona
asked. “Umm… there’s so much… I can’t finish it,” Bryan said shyly.
“It’s okay if you can’t finish it,” Fiona said with a smile. Hearing
that, Bryan didn’t hesitate to gobble up everything in front of his eyes.
“C’mon Bryan… let’s play,” Alex said pulling his hand. “Okay… can I be excused?” he asked Fiona and Hendricks. “Sure… go play,” Fiona replied happily. “Thank you…” Bryan said as he got down his chair and started to follow Alex out the dining room. “He’s so polite… I just can’t wait till he grows up,” Fiona said dreamily. “What for?” Hendricks asked as he took a sip of his juice. “He might marry one of our daughters… I can’t wait to have him as my son in law,” Fiona replied. “You know what? You’re very dreamy,” Hendricks replied. Suddenly there was a big stomping noise and Hendricks covered his face with the papers. Fiona just smiled.
“What do you want to play?” Bryan asked the four girls. “How about Barbie?” Tanya asked. “I don’t play Barbie’s,” Bryan said. “How about hide and seek?” Linda suggested. “Good idea,” Bryan replied. “Who’s going to seek?” Creole asked. “Let’s see… how about Alex?” Linda said. “Yes… Alex,” Tanya agreed. “Okay… so Alex will seek, we will hide, you count,” Bryan said. “Okay,” Alex said and started to count. Bryan and the other three girls then started to run around the house looking for a place to hide. He then found a couch and hid behind it. He started to wait for Alex. 10 minutes has passed. 20 minutes… 25 minutes… “Where is she?” Bryan started to ask himself and decided to search for Alex himself. He then heard someone crying. He followed the cry and found Alex with her sisters and mother, she was crying. “What happened?” Bryan asked as he went closer. “Bryan!” Alex shouted as she ran to him. “Why are you crying?” Bryan asked, as Alex got closer to him. “I taught you left me,” Alex said sadly. “I would not do that! I will never leave you,” Bryan told her. “Really?” Alex asked holding back her tears. “Yes… I promise,” Bryan said pulling out his pinkie finger again. “Okay… I believe you,” she replied as she crossed her pinkie finger with his. Fiona was touched till she had some tears in her eyes. “Isn’t that sweet?” she told herself. Right at that moment, Hendricks was passing by. “Crying over such a thing?” he asked sarcastically. Another loud stomp was heard again and Hendricks left them with a funny face and children laughing.
“I think I should go back now,” Bryan said. “Will you come back
again?” Alex asked. “Okay… I’ll come tomorrow,” Bryan said as he got
up and headed to the front door. “I’ll send you home, Bryan,” Hampton
said. “Okay… thank you Aunt Fiona!” Bryan shouted as he got out. “Bye!
Please come back again, alright?” Fiona said waving. All three girls were
waving back at Bryan happily so did Bryan himself as he was led back with
Hampton. As they arrive to Bryan house, Bryan said goodbye to Hampton and went
in. “Goodbye Bryan, please drop by again tomorrow,” Hampton replied as Bryan
slipped into his house. “Welcome back Bryan, how was lunch?” his mother
asked. Bryan then told everything he did at Hendricks’ manor excitedly to his
mother.
“I’m here!” Bryan shouted out outside of the mansion. “Bryan!” Alex shouted out from her room window, waving away then disappeared inside. “Welcome back Bryan, Alex has been waiting for you,” Hampton said as he brought Bryan in. Bryan hurried inside. “Hello Aunt Fiona!” he greeted once he saw her. “Why hello Bryan, I have a new friend here with me,” Fiona said. “Gregory! Come here,” she called out. Then, a boy with mucus running out of his nose and snivelling popped out of from the room. “Hi,” he said. “Hello Gregory… I’m Bryan,” he replied. Gregory made a loud disgusting noise with his nose then shook Bryan’s hand. “Okay, be good friends now and go play with the others,” Fiona said. “Bryan! You’re here,” Alex said running down the stairs. “Alex!” Bryan shouted back. Then the other three sisters came down. “Creole!” Gregory called out. “Eww… you’re disgusting,” Creole replied walking away from him. “What should we play today Bryan?” Alex asked. Without hesitating, Bryan, Alex and her sisters together with Gregory started playing.
Outside the house, Bryan and Alex were sitting by the porch next to each other. “Bryan… if I am going somewhere, will you forget about me?” Alex asked. “Where are you going?” Bryan replied. “Nowhere, I just wanted to ask,” Alex told him. “I won’t,” Bryan replied. Alex blushed at his remark. “What about you? Will you remember me?” Bryan asked. “Definitely, because…” Alex said and stopped halfway. “Because?” Bryan said puzzled. “Because… I… I… I like you Bryan,” Alex finally said. Bryan replied with a sweet smile. “I like you too,” he replied. As they locked into eye contact, Alex went closer and pressed her lips on his. “Is that how a kiss feel’s like?” Bryan asked as they pulled each other away. “I… I think so…” Alex replied stuttering. Bryan then continued to kiss her.
All of a sudden, Alex fell from the porch right after the kiss. “Alex!” Bryan shouted as he got off the porch and went next to her. “Alex! Alex! Wake up!” Bryan shouted nervously. “Help! Help! Someone!” he shouted as he tried to carry her inside the house. The servants came after Bryan’s shouts, so did Alex’s parents and sisters. “Alex!” Fiona shouted panicky. “Call the ambulance!” Hendricks shouted to one of the maids. He hurried to Alex’s side to check her pulse. “What happened?” Hendricks asked Bryan. “S… She… fell from the porch,” Bryan replied nervously and crying. Fiona went to Alex’s side too. Bryan was afraid at what will happen, he taught it was his fault, so tears started to fill his eyes. “I… I’m sorry,” he replied softly. “She’s still alive,” Hendricks said as he checked her pulse.
Moments later the ambulance arrived and Alex was brought to the hospital with her parents. “I’ll fetch you home,” Hampton said to Bryan. “I’m sorry… Alex,” he whispered wiping his tears. “It wasn’t your fault, she’ll be fine,” Hampton said as he walked with Bryan home. On the way home, Bryan asked Hampton what would happen to Alex. “I’m not sure, I don’t think it will be that serious,” he replied kindly. Bryan felt relieved, “I think so too,” he replied with confidence. “That’s the spirit! Keep it up and nothing will harm Alex,” Hampton said as he settled his hands on Bryan’s shoulder. “So, stop crying and have faith in mademoiselle okay?” Hampton replied with a smile. “Okay,” Bryan told him as they walked back home. “Okay Bryan, just have faith in mademoiselle and she’ll be fine,” Hampton said as he saw Bryan going back home. “Thank you Hampton!” Bryan replied as he got in. “Mom! Where is the red coloured paper?” Bryan asked. “It’s here, why do you need it for?” she replied as she took out the red coloured paper from the cupboard. “I’m making Alex a card,” Bryan said as he took the paper. “Oh? Is it her birthday?” she asked. “No… it’s a get well card… she’s in the hospital,” Bryan replied. “What happened?” his mother asked. “She fainted… but she’ll be fine… I just know it,” Bryan said with a smile as he got into his room to start on making the card. Mrs. McFadden however had a bad feeling.
Chapter five
The following day, Bryan quickly came over to Alex’s house right after lunch. He was being so inpatient the whole morning, and now he felt as though he was just released from his cage. Quickly, he ran and arrived at Alex’s house in a matter of seconds. He reached for the bell button and pressed it once. Hampton then came out. “Bryan… you’re here,” Hampton said, with a smile but a very sad tone. “Something is wrong isn’t it?” Bryan asked as he saw Hampton’s impression. “I’m afraid so Bryan,” he replied softly. Curious and panicky, Bryan ran into the house, heading to Alex’s room.
As he entered he saw everyone there, the three sisters had no impression on what ever happened, Fiona was weeping away next to Alex and Hendricks was standing silently across Alex. “Bryan…” Fiona whispered as she pulled out her hand, wanting him to come closer. Bryan removed his hat and went to Fiona’s side slowly. As he went closer, he was shocked seeing Alex much more pale than she could ever be. “W… what happened?” he asked, trying his best to pull back his tears. “Alex has a disease called MPS I which is very deadly to kids like her,” Fiona explained. “MPS I…?” Bryan whispered. “Bryan…” Alex whispered as she pulled her hand out and with her eyes half opened. Bryan went closer to her and held on to her cold hands. Bryan couldn’t hold back his tears anymore, he cried softly. “We have to bring her to the United States for some medical treatments,” Hendricks told Bryan. “How long will it take?” Bryan asked. “The treatment hasn’t been confirmed yet, it might take some time,” Hendricks explained. Bryan turned back to Alex. “When are you going?” Bryan asked. “This evening,” Fiona told him. Bryan took a deep breath and wiped his tears.
“I’ll wait for you Alex,” Bryan told her softly. Alex lets out a smile. “I promise, that… that… when you come back… I will marry you,” he said. “You promise?” Alex whispered. “Yes Alex… I promise,” he said, crossing his pinkie finger with hers. “I will wait for you too,” Alex replied trying to smile. Fiona continued to cry, she was so touched by Bryan’s words, and so is Hendricks for the very first time. “We’ve already promise not to forget each other, and I won’t forget you, I made this for you,” Bryan said pulling out the red card he made for her. “Look, I also spelled your name in it… A-L-E-X-A-N-D-R-A…” he said with tears in his eyes. “Please remember me Alex,” Bryan continued to whisper. “Please…”
It was time for them to leave; Alex was already in the car waiting to depart. Bryan was standing by the door as everyone got into the car. “Take care of yourself okay?” Fiona told him. “I will Aunt Fiona… you take care too,” Bryan replied. “I’m going to miss you,” she replied and gave him a kiss on the cheek and went into the car. Hampton was to follow them together to take care of the children. “Okay Bryan, take care of yourself,” he told him. Bryan nodded. “Remember… have faith in Alex,” Hampton replied. “I do have faith in her,” Bryan replied softly. Hampton gave him a pat on his head. “Goodbye Bryan,” he said. They then left for the airport. Bryan chased the car from behind. “I’ll wait for you Alex! I’ll wait for you… Alexandra!” he shouted as the car faded into the background. “I’ll… wait… for… you,” he whispered as he shed a tear.